Single Displacement Chemistry Example 4
Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.
Example 4
hardZinc metal is placed in a copper(II) sulfate solution (). The solution gradually loses its blue color and a reddish deposit forms. Write the balanced equation and explain what the color changes indicate.
Solution
- 1 Balanced equation: .
- 2 The blue color fading indicates ions (which are blue) are being removed from solution as they gain electrons and become solid copper (the reddish deposit).
- 3 Zinc is more reactive than copper (higher in the activity series), so it displaces copper from solution. Zinc dissolves as ions, which are colorless.
Answer
Observable changes (color loss, solid deposit) provide evidence that a chemical reaction has occurred. The activity series predicts which single displacement reactions will proceed.
About Single Displacement
A chemical reaction in which a free (uncombined) element that is more reactive displaces and replaces a less reactive element within a compound, producing a.
Learn more about Single Displacement →More Single Displacement Examples
Example 1 easy
Write the balanced equation for zinc metal reacting with hydrochloric acid.
Example 2 mediumWill copper react with silver nitrate solution? If so, write the balanced equation. (Activity series
Example 3 easyWill gold (Au) react with [formula] solution? (Au is below Cu in the activity series.)